John,

BREAKING NEWS: Moments ago, Governor Ralph Northam signed SB 868, the Virginia Values Act, into law. 

Virginia is now the 21st state to fully and explicitly protect all LGBTQ people from discrimination! This is a landmark victory and a clear message, saying once and for all that we will not tolerate discrimination against LGBTQ people in the Commonwealth. 

LGBTQ Virginians now have the same protection from discrimination as everyone else at work, when looking for a place to live or when we're out in public. 

We’re celebrating the end of a multi-year effort, but also understand there’s more work ahead of us. In Virginia, legal equality is only the first step. We will still work every day to break down barriers and ensure LGBTQ Virginians can access education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and everything else we deserve.

And 29 other states lack comprehensive protections for LGBTQ people. Congress must pass the Equality Act to ensure enduring protections for LGBTQ people everywhere, in all areas of life—and other states can step up to pass their own statewide LGBTQ protections like we did.

This is a momentous day, and we invite you to celebrate with us by sharing our victory graphic on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thank you for your commitment to LGBTQ equality in Virginia!

In Equality,

Vee Lamneck, 
Executive Director